SpaceX has reached an agreement to acquire a nationwide block of low-band wireless spectrum, enabling Starlink Mobile to function as a full-fledged mobile carrier in the U.S., rather than a satellite add-on to existing networks. This deal involves the purchase of Grain Management’s nationwide 800 MHz portfolio, which spans 14 MHz across the 817 to 824 MHz and 862 to 869 MHz bands. The specific financial terms have not been disclosed, and the agreement is pending FCC approval.
In a tweet, SpaceX highlighted that this acquisition will enhance Starlink Mobile’s capacity to provide high-speed mobile broadband access, even inside buildings, thanks to the signal penetration capabilities of the 800 MHz spectrum. Existing phones currently support this band, ensuring no new hardware will be necessary for users.
The new spectrum complements SpaceX’s existing 2 GHz spectrum, acquired from EchoStar, promising robust bandwidth. Notably, the Grain spectrum is designed for terrestrial service from ground towers rather than satellites, positioning Starlink Mobile as a pioneer in deploying both satellite and terrestrial technologies.
This announcement follows a significant FCC approval for SpaceX to launch 15,000 second-generation Starlink Mobile satellites, which aim to substantially increase data density. Following the news, share prices for competitors AT&T, Verizon, and T-Mobile dropped, with T-Mobile being uniquely affected as SpaceX’s launch partner.
Looking ahead, SpaceX plans to launch its next-generation Starlink Mobile satellites in 2027, with the terrestrial network’s launch hinging on the FCC review of the Grain acquisition.
